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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 8am on the day of Jack's birth, I started having contractions that were about 30-40 mins apart. They weren't painful, just a tightening feeling. We went to the hospital around 7:30pm when my contractions were 5 mins apart (but still not painful). While getting registered, my water broke and that's when I knew the labor had begun. I went from 5cm to 10cm in 30 mins and had Baby Jack at 8:40.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was my plan of not going natural! :) I was one of the mommies that knew I wanted an epidural and all the meds I could get my hands on. I actually laughed at my OB when she asked if I had thought about going natural. Having Jack within an hour of walking into the hospital was not my plan! I didn't have time to have any meds and looking back I am so glad that I didn't.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I felt so confused about childbirth because all mommies have different experiences and outcomes. I read and watched many birth stories. I had no idea what to expect and I think that helped me on birth day. I knew what all COULD happen. I knew all of the options.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Though there was pain (which I was expecting), the whole experience was wonderful! I was dreading the labor, the recovery, the nursing, but it was all so amazing.
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Holding my baby felt like every wonderful experience I had in my life rolled into one! I had never felt a love like that before.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Just breathing through labor helped my pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was originally on my back, but once my mother arrived she pulled my back up and held my legs up like a pretzel.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my baby felt like every wonderful experience I had in my life rolled into one! I had never felt a love like that before.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! You will be so glad you did! Even though I was TOTALLY against going natural, I will do it for my next child. I felt like my labor progressed faster without interventions and after the delivery I felt great!
